At about 12:20 PM on Thursday, August 24, 2017, members of the Boston Police Auto Theft Unit began an operation focusing on the District D-4 (South End) neighborhood due to a recent significant increase in motorcycle thefts in this area. While conducting the operation, 911 dispatch advised units of two males observed pushing a green motorcycle from 500 Commonwealth Avenue toward Mass Ave. ATU officers responded to the area but were unable to locate the suspects or the green motorcycle. Further investigation revealed that the green motorcycle had earlier been reported stolen to the Transit Police. Based on this information, ATU officers responded to the residence of a 17-year-old motorcycle thief known to police, who only six weeks prior, was found to have four vehicles stolen from the South End/Back Bay stored in the rear of his residence on Cheney Street in Roxbury.

Upon arrival on Cheney Street, officers observed the above 17-year-old male push a motorcycle down the street, lock it to a light pole, and cover it with a tarp before entering his residence. Officers confirmed the vehicle was the stolen green motorcycle. Shortly after, officers observed the 17-year-old male riding as a passenger on a gray and white Honda motorcycle away from his residence with a second 17-year-old male (also known to them as a motorcycle thief with a revoked driver’s license from previous incidents). Officers maintained surveillance, and at about 4:10 PM observed both males return to the area, both operating motorcycles without registration plates. The first male proceeded to abandon his bike and sprint into the residence, while officers were able to stop the second 17-year-old and place him under arrest for Operating after License Revocation (2 counts). Further investigation revealed that both motorcycles had been reported stolen, therefore, he was additionally charged with two counts of Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle. Complaints will be sought for two counts of Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicles for the first 17-year-old male as well. In all, three stolen motorcycles were recovered during the operation.